Evanston resident Steve Morton, who opposes a rezoning and rebuild of Ryan Field, listens as Northwestern University presents their proposal for a new stadium during a special public meeting of the Evanston Land Use Commission on Sept. 6, 2023.
“It’s simply not reasonable for one of the wealthiest universities to claim that without $2 million in concert revenues the new Ryan Field will fail,” Greer said. His comments were met with boos from supporters of the project, a few of whom spoke in support of the stadium. Peter Kelly said appraisals made by representatives for Most Livable City Association saying home values would depreciate due to the venue were incorrect, noting homes in the area sold quickly and above asking price even after the concert plan had been announced.
Lara Hamann, who lives near the field and is a member of Field of Opportunities, which supports the proposed field plans alongside Select Neighbors of Ryan Field, said plenty of residents close to the stadium back the project.“I can’t wait to see an architectural gem in my backyard. I feel like it fits the neighborhood perfectly,” Hamann said.
Meredith DeCarlo, who lives four blocks south of the stadium, spoke about her family’s history in the neighborhood stretching back to when the field was built. She told the commission she was happy to be back in the area until Northwestern announced its plans for commercialization.